H.R. 4911 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on House Administration, Aug 5, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryLimiting voter waiting times in federal elections
This bill aims to reduce long lines at polling places during federal elections. It requires states to make sure voters wait no more than 30 minutes to cast their ballot, sets minimum standards for voting machines and poll workers at each location, and provides federal funding to help states meet these requirements. It also prevents top state election officials from actively working on political campaigns related to the elections they oversee.
How it affects you
If you vote in federal elections, this would mean shorter waits at your polling place. States that don't meet the 30-minute standard could face legal action from voters. Election officials running for office would face restrictions if they oversee the elections they're involved in.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Aug 5, 2025)
People Over Long Lines Act or the POLL Act
This bill sets forth provisions related to voting and the administration of federal elections.
Specifically, the bill requires states to ensure that voters wait no more than 30 minutes at any polling place to cast their vote in a federal election, establishes a private right of action for voters who experience longer waiting times, and directs the Election Assistance Commission to make payments to eligible states to prevent unreasonable waiting times.
Next, the bill requires each state to provide for the minimum required number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources for each polling location on the day of any federal election and each day of early voting. The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division must issue uniform standards regarding the minimum number and distribution of such systems, workers, and other resources.
The bill also prohibits a chief state election administration official from taking an active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any federal election over which the official has supervisory authority, with certain exceptions.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 4911
A BILL
POLL Act
Sponsor: Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA-5) · Introduced Aug 5, 2025 · Government Operations and Politics · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Aug 5, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.”
Sections
Sections · 6
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2FindingsNo change
- Sec. 3Preventing unreasonable voter waiting timesNo change
- Sec. 4Minimum required voting systems, poll workers, and election resourcesNo change
- Sec. 5Prohibition on campaign activities by chief State election administration officialsNo change
- Sec. 6Payments to States to prevent unreasonable wait times and promote well-run electionsNo change